US Vice President Harris calls for ceasefire in Gaza

US Vice President Kamala Harris called for a ceasefire during a speech in Selma, Alabama.

Stating that their commitment to Israel's security remains, Harris argued that Hamas must be eliminated due to the threat it poses to Israel.

Harris also asserted that Hamas should not control Gaza, stating, “And given the scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire.”

Harris, whose speech was interrupted by applause following her call for a ceasefire, added, “At least for the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table.”

Harris noted that such a ceasefire would allow for the release of hostages and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, stating, “This would allow us to build something more enduring to ensure Israel is secure and to respect the right of the Palestinian people to dignity, freedom, and self-determination.”

Reports in US media, citing official sources, had stated that the Biden administration and Israel had reached an agreement on the terms of a six-week ceasefire, including the release of hostages, and were awaiting a response from Hamas.

An official from Hamas, who wished to remain anonymous, had stated that they were working seriously to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and for Israel to withdraw its troops from the area.

NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE PARTIES

A meeting was held in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, on February 13 between the Tel Aviv administration and Hamas as part of a prisoner exchange agreement.

These negotiations later continued in Paris, the capital of France. The Paris negotiations concluded on February 24 with the participation of an Israeli delegation led by Mossad Chief David Barnea, CIA Director William (Bill) Burns, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Egyptian Intelligence Chief Abbas Kamel, and a Hamas delegation.

The Israeli war cabinet had decided to send a "low-level delegation" to Doha, the capital of Qatar, to continue the negotiations.